There is something about a small monitors with subs that always sounds like small monitors with subs, which is fine if it appeals to you. I have never heard the S8 speakers, but I have heard larger active ATCs several times, and I think they would be hard to beat. I thought they had a great balance of virtues, and presented music in a powerful, but not overpowering way.
ATC Monitors vs. Paradigm S8?
I'll be moving into a 1 bedroom loft apartment soon w/ a 40'x20'x16' living room where I plan to have my system. I'm probably 60/40 Home theater to music these days.
I had a set of SCM-11 speakers paired to a Bryston 3B-ST which I always really enjoyed but always thought they lacked low end. I've recently sold them in preparation for the move (no way they could be used in such a huge space when already lacking low-end) and began using my Paradigm S2's which I've been happy w/ overall. Each speaker has been paired w/ dual Velodyne SPL-1500's, which I love for both music and HT.
Before my move I had been on a voracious search for active ATC SCM20-2A monitors based on what I heard about them, how beautiful they were, and that they were supposed to keep high end detail but much better mid and lows. I had also always had a soft spot for Paradigm S8's which I heard a while back at a local dealer and always thought were the best speakers I had ever heard (I'm not claiming to be the most versed audiophile, just stating what I've heard), but they were way overkill for my room. I've like the highs and detail of the ATC's better than the Paradigms but Paradigm has performed better for me overall, in my current room w/ the music I listen to.
Now that I'm moving into a huge loft the S8's are definately in play but I'm left wondering if I would be able to get away w/ the active ATC monitors and the dual subs. The monitors will be cheaper and easier to deal w/ (placement and footprint) but will they lack something in such a large room? I enjoy music at fairly high levels and tight low-end is important.
I had a set of SCM-11 speakers paired to a Bryston 3B-ST which I always really enjoyed but always thought they lacked low end. I've recently sold them in preparation for the move (no way they could be used in such a huge space when already lacking low-end) and began using my Paradigm S2's which I've been happy w/ overall. Each speaker has been paired w/ dual Velodyne SPL-1500's, which I love for both music and HT.
Before my move I had been on a voracious search for active ATC SCM20-2A monitors based on what I heard about them, how beautiful they were, and that they were supposed to keep high end detail but much better mid and lows. I had also always had a soft spot for Paradigm S8's which I heard a while back at a local dealer and always thought were the best speakers I had ever heard (I'm not claiming to be the most versed audiophile, just stating what I've heard), but they were way overkill for my room. I've like the highs and detail of the ATC's better than the Paradigms but Paradigm has performed better for me overall, in my current room w/ the music I listen to.
Now that I'm moving into a huge loft the S8's are definately in play but I'm left wondering if I would be able to get away w/ the active ATC monitors and the dual subs. The monitors will be cheaper and easier to deal w/ (placement and footprint) but will they lack something in such a large room? I enjoy music at fairly high levels and tight low-end is important.
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- 11 posts total
- 11 posts total